Space Research GroupIcy satellites flybys

spaceweb@oulu.fi - last update: 22nd February 2006 (JV)

Cassini icy satellite flybys
1st Phoebe 2000 km 11 June 2004
1st Iapetus 65 000 km 1 January 2005
1st Enceladus 1200 km 17 February 2005
2nd Enceladus 500 km 9 March 2005
3rd Enceladus 1000 km 14 July 2005
1st Mimas 45000 km 2 August 2005
1st Tethys 33000 km 24 September 2005
1st Hyperion 1000 km 26 September 2005
1st Dione 500 km 11 October 2005
1st Rhea 500 km 26 November 2005
2nd Tethys 16200 km 27 June 2007
2nd Rhea 5100km 30 August 2007
2nd Iapetus 1000km 10 September 2007
4th Enceladus 995 km 12 March 2008
End of the mission.   June 2008
Planned two year extension.   2008-2010
Present position
Note that closest distances are from preliminary plan so they may have been changed. Check the accurate flyby geometry.
In Finnish - suomenkielinen sivu

Cassini arrived at Saturnian system in summer 2004. The actual orbit insertion was in 1st of July. However the actual first event in Saturnian system happened little earlier in the 11th of June, when Cassini has its first close flyby with Saturnian satellite Phoebe.

After orbit insertion, Titan satellite is the most important body, since it is the most massive satellite in Saturnian system, it will be used to guide the Cassini to change it orbit around Saturn. This guarantee that the Cassini satellite will also study the other icy satellites in Saturnian system several times. The table beside shows the dates when close flybys with icy satellites have happened or will happen in the future. Not necessary all flybys is noted in the list only the ones with close distances. There is detailed planning under preparation for approved two year extension of the mission. This will provide more opportunities to study the icy satellites.

Here are some photo links to more official sites just to show some Cassini photos from icy satellites visit. You may find it interesting to check some of these sites in daily basis.

 

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